Ornamental asparagus is a frugal plant and therefore very easy to care for. In winter, however, he needs a little help. This is the only way for it to survive the cold season unscathed.
Even if the ornamental asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus) looks quite delicate and sensitive, you don't have to handle it with kid gloves. After all, he can take a beating and doesn't require much maintenance. It can also be easily carried through the winter. If you pay attention to a cool, bright location, to watering sparingly but regularly and to sufficiently high humidity, you are actually doing everything right.
Choose winter location
In the cold season, the ornamental asparagus likes a location with temperatures between 10 °C and 12 °C. A slightly warmer environment is acceptable, but normally heated living rooms or even a location near the heater are not suitable. The winter quarters should also be sufficiently bright. The plant also tolerates direct sunlight - quite a problem in summer - in winter.
Tip: If your ornamental asparagus is on the balcony or terrace, the end of September is the right time to move to the sheltered winter quarters.
Water ornamental asparagus in winter
Keep the root ball of your ornamental asparagus moist during the winter months. The plant indicates an acute lack of water by shedding leaves, but it should better not come to that. So check regularly with your finger whether the substrate still feels damp at a depth of two to three centimetres. If not, you will need to water.
If you have forgotten to water your ornamental asparagus for a long time and the plant looks threateningly dried out, you can remedy this with a short immersion bath. To do this, place the planter under water until no more bubbles appear. Then drain the excess liquid until it stops dripping. If there is still life in the ornamental asparagus, it will soon recover.
Ensure sufficient humidity
Very dry room air can become a problem for ornamental asparagus and is also a magnet for annoying spider mites. Ask for lackhumidity, always have a bowl of water next to the plant or sprinkle the false leaves with a spray bottle from time to time.
Do not place in the blazing sun in spring
If you want to bring the ornamental asparagus back to its summer location outdoors in spring, you should avoid direct exposure to the midday sun. You will quickly recognize an excess of sunlight by the yellowing of the leaves. If, on the other hand, the location is too dark, the ornamental asparagus soon begins to develop wild light shoots. You have found the right balance when both symptoms are absent. Weak morning or evening sun, for example, is not a problem. Also choose a bright, partially shaded location. You can find out what else there is to consider when caring for them in our article Caring for ornamental asparagus - important information on location, soil, watering and fertilizing.